The Salkantay Trek is without doubt one of the hottest methods to hike to Machu Picchu. Much less well-known than the enduring Inca Path, the Salkantay Trek is each simpler to e book and a less expensive trek, as there aren’t any permits concerned. On high of that, many say the Salkantay is simply as lovely, if no more so, than the Inca Path!

For these causes, many individuals in search of a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu select the Salkantay Trek. 

The 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an epic journey that takes you thru a number of the most gorgeous landscapes within the Peruvian Andes. The Trek culminates in a go to to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This difficult trek is ideal for these in search of a extra rugged and fewer crowded various to the Machu Picchu Inca Path tour.

Background Info

The Salkantay Trek is 74 km (46 miles) lengthy and is mostly hiked over 4-5 days (with a go to to Machu Picchu on Day 5). The Salkantay trek holds historic significance, and just like the Inca Path, was a route the Incas as soon as took to get to Machu Picchu. The primary distinction is that the Salkantay Trek is thru the mountains, reaching practically 5,000m above sea degree, whereas the Inca Path is strolling by way of ruins a lot of the way in which.

It’s mentioned that the Salkantay Trek was the route that spiritual leaders took to get to Machu Picchu as a result of the upper elevations introduced them “nearer to god.” The Salkantay Trek is known as after the mountain that the path passes, the Salkantay Mountain. It isn’t simply this mountain you’ll see on the hike, although, because the path gives various landscapes, together with glaciers and tropical Andean forests.

The Salkantay trek begins within the village of Mollepata. That is the place you’ll begin your journey in the direction of Soraypampa, your first campsite. Alongside the way in which, you’ll cross by way of picturesque Andean villages and revel in unbelievable views of the snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains.

Salkantay Vs. The Inca Path

The Inca Path is a world-famous trek that’s continually ranked among the many finest hikes on this planet. Nevertheless, as many individuals will inform you, you’ll expertise straight that the Traditional Inca Path to Machu Picchu is crowded and normally booked all year long.

Whereas that is usually the case, it’s best to do not forget that the Inca Path is without doubt one of the most wonderful hikes on this planet, and why so many individuals need to trek it!

The entire system of Inca Trails, known as the Qapaq Ñan, is a community of historic footpaths that related an important sections of the Inca Empire. The Incas constructed the paths, that are nonetheless used right this moment by native individuals and guests from everywhere in the world. 

The Inca Path Trek to Machu Picchu is without doubt one of the most well-known and iconic treks on this planet. The trek gives a surprising mixture of pure magnificence, historic ruins, and Andean tradition. The Inca Path varieties a part of the Inca highway community known as the Qapaq Ñan. The Salkantay Trek can be a part of these historic Inca pathways.

The Salkantay Trek is the lesser-known trek to Machu Picchu with extra wildlife, breathtaking mountain surroundings, and spectacular views. The Salkantay Trek is an possibility for hikers who need to expertise the gorgeous mountainous surroundings of the Peruvian Andes and see an extremely various nature and panorama that step by step reveals gorgeous views. It’s a longer and more difficult trek than the Inca Path, however it gives gorgeous surroundings and a extra genuine expertise of the Peruvian Andes, passing by way of conventional Andean communities.

There are actually fewer ruins alongside the Salkantay trek, however there may be the chance to go to glacial lakes, scorching springs, espresso plantations, and mango plantations in addition to the lesser-visited archaeological website of Llactapata. Day 2 of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is essentially the most difficult day of the Trek. You ascend to the Salkantay Go, which sits at an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,092 toes). The views from the cross are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the encircling mountains and valleys.

Whichever route you’ve got chosen, each treks provide breathtaking vistas, Inca ruins, and the wealthy historical past of the Incas’ lifestyle on this area.

Altitude is an Problem!

I’ve already talked about the excessive elevation of the Salkantay trek and it’s value it to speak a bit extra intently concerning the acclimatization and the potential of altitude illness.

Attempt to arrive in Cusco a minimum of two or three days earlier than the trek begins and deal with doing a little bodily exercise. Near Cusco are Sacsaywaman and Qenqo ruins, that are superior locations to go to. You may take loads of day journeys from Cusco and provides your physique a while to regulate to the elevation. There are a whole lot of issues to do within the Sacred Valley close to Cusco, resembling an uphill hike to Pisac Ruins or visiting Rainbow Mountain, each of that are at excessive elevations.

Acclimatization is a vital facet of the Salkantay Path to Machu Picchu. It includes mountaineering at excessive elevations the place the air is skinny and oxygen ranges are decrease. To assist mitigate the consequences of altitude, it’s vital to spend a minimum of two to a few days in Cusco or different high-altitude areas earlier than starting the trek. Enough acclimatization is essential as a result of you’ll spend the primary night time 3800 meters above sea degree.

The next day, you’ll cross the mountain cross and sleep about 3900 meters above sea degree, which is excessive for an unacclimatized hiker. Though nobody can ever know the way you can be affected by the altitude, it’s all the time higher to be ready and know what to anticipate (you would possibly expertise a headache or shortness of breath, for instance). Mules play a vital function in supporting treks just like the Salkantay Trek.

They’re usually used to hold provides, tools, and baggage for trekkers. The rugged terrain and excessive altitudes of the Salkantay Path make it difficult to move heavy masses on foot. This makes mules invaluable for transporting gear and provides to the campsites alongside the route.

Why E book a Guided Trek?

Mountain climbing with a guided group is essentially the most comfy possibility for having fun with the Salkantay Trek. Typically, essentially the most difficult factor might be to search out the best, skilled, and trustworthy tour operator. At all times bear in mind you’ll get the service you’ve paid for, and generally it’s not value saving a few {dollars} and ruining your expertise.

While you take a tour, you don’t want to fret about meals, transportation, campsites, or tools. Tenting tools is included within the value, you will need to solely lease a sleeping bag with linen, a mattress, or strolling poles if wanted. At all times verify if the bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu gate and the Machu Picchu entrance is included within the remaining value.

Additionally, you will stroll solely along with your day pack because the journey companies have porters who carry your further garments for you. Mountain climbing is a pleasure when all that you must focus on is the standard of your pictures and the gorgeous surroundings throughout you.

Reserving a guided Salkantay Trek journey with a good Peru journey company like Valencia Journey Cusco gives a number of benefits. You may improve your total expertise and guarantee a secure and pleasant journey by way of the Andes. Skilled guides are conversant in the terrain, climate situations, and cultural significance of the areas you’ll be trekking by way of.

One other factor to think about is that on the primary day, you go to the gorgeous Humantay Lagoon. This turquoise lake is a brief hike from Soraypamapa on day one, and many individuals do a day hike there. Nevertheless, if you are within the area, it’s an important thought to go to Humantay Lake on this tour.

You can even unwind in pure scorching springs in your third day in Santa Teresa. Entry to such lovely pure swimming pools makes the Salkantay trek an important alternative in your trek to Machu Picchu! Humantay Lake is a surprising turquoise lake positioned close to the bottom of the Humantay Glacier. It’s a common vacation spot for trekkers on the Salkantay Trek, because it gives breathtaking pure magnificence and an opportunity to expertise the excessive Andean panorama up shut.

When is the perfect time to hike Salkantay?

With a little bit of preparation, you possibly can hike the Salkantay Trek all 12 months spherical, besides February, the wettest month of the 12 months. The official dry season begins in Could and ends in October. Throughout these six months, you’ve got a excessive likelihood of seeing clear skies and having fun with the sunshine all through the day.

Anticipate numerous hikers, particularly in June, July, and August, when individuals within the USA and Europe have holidays. These months are Peruvian winter, which suggests the climate is sunny, dry, and extra secure, however temperatures are decrease. The wet season begins in November and ends in April. Mountain climbing on this season is extra unpredictable.

The perfect time to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is through the dry season.

This runs from Could to September. Throughout this time, the climate is mostly clear and dry, with sunny days and funky nights, making it perfect for trekking within the Andes. It rains essentially the most in February, when there may be additionally a better likelihood of landslides, mudslides, and a few impassable sections.

That’s why respected firms don’t run the trek in February. In the event you plan on mountaineering independently, to remain secure, we advocate avoiding strolling the path in February, too, simply in case. The wet season is {the summertime}, which suggests temperatures are increased, though it nonetheless will get chilly within the night, particularly at excessive altitudes.

The wet season on the Salkantay Trek runs from November to March. January and February sometimes expertise the heaviest rainfall. Trekking through the wet season will be difficult because of moist and muddy situations, in addition to the potential of landslides and swollen rivers.

The Salkantay Trek is a exceptional journey that gives a lot extra than simply an alternate strategy to get to Machu Picchu. It’s a surprising, difficult hike by way of the guts of the Peruvian Andes. A trek that sees snowy peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, inexperienced cloud forests, and historic trails winding their manner by way of the Andes. The trek tells the story of a robust civilization and the gorgeous land they as soon as dominated.

Whether or not you’re drawn by the epic surroundings, the cultural facet, or the joys of the problem, the Salkantay Trek delivers a very genuine and enriching expertise. In the event you’re in search of a much less crowded, extra immersive, and breathtaking various to the Inca Path, this trek would possibly simply be the proper path for you.